Page 22 of Shattered Love

Stepping into the camp, not much had changed. The tents still lined the expanse of the area. The large building still sat in the middle. Although at least a dozen guards now swarmed the area.

The only change was the burned patch of grass, empty of the tents that had been burned by Alessia’s fire. Another smirk graced my lips at the reminder of the damage we had done.

We were led to the main building, Sasha and Mina finally rousing as we set them on their feet. The guards parted as we approached, revealing a stout, bearded man with a manic grin.

I knew the man. I had watched him from the beginning. The way he barked orders. The way his eyes searched out the threats inside. And I knew he was the man that had mutilated Alessia’s legs. The man who had almost killed her.

Anger had my skin flushing, the heat traveling to my clenched fists. His eyes scanned our group, his smile faltering when he didn’t see her. That had my anger dissipating a bit. Too bad for you, asshole.

“Welcome,” he said, spreading his arms wide. He looked between Aiden and me. “Or should I say welcome back?” He laughed at his own joke, not caring about the glares we aimed his way.

“My name is Vex and I am in charge of the refugee camp here.”

“Death camp more like it,” Rainer muttered under his breath and I nudged him slightly.

He was going to get himself killed if he didn’t shut up. And although I didn’t care, I knew Alessia would. And I had no clue why I cared that she cared. I’d blame it on the whole the world is ending thing.

“Usually, our refugees would stay in the tents. But,” his grin widened, “I like to consider you five special guests. Which means you’ll be receiving board inside.”

He waved toward the large building and I saw the fear in everyone’s gazes. Alessia and Aiden didn’t talk about it, but we all knew what happened in that building. And they knew that the five course meal I craved wasn’t waiting for us inside.

They were being strategic. We had escaped once, who was to say we couldn’t do it again? Our chances were lower if we were locked inside.

“Come, come.” Vex ushered us inside and none of us had a choice but to follow.

Dozens of people sat inside, the same image as the last time I was in here, typing away at computers. Their focus never wavered. I caught glimpses of the screens, some dotted with tracking devices, others with maps.

My mind wandered to Alessia’s idea. The information we needed, a map to the bunkers possibly, could be on those computers. But what were the chances I could get the information? And what would it matter if I was stuck inside this building?

Vex trampled down the stairs, all of us following in a single file line, like a parade to our execution. Finally, he stopped by a door, the guard out front unlocking it.

“I hope you enjoy your time here. I know I did.” His smile was cruel as we shuffled inside, the clang of the door echoing.

The room was empty, not a single piece of furniture inside. The only thing notable was the dark streaks on the floor, the obvious remnants of dried blood.

And as Mina gasped a pained sound, I knew we all realized what this room was. Now we only had to hope we all wouldn’t succumb to the same treatment as Alessia. At least, not before we found a way out.

Leaning against the wall, I closed my eyes, thinking of the woman with unruly dark hair, darker eyes, and a spirit that wasn’t broken by that fucker in this room. I wasn’t a man that needed saving. I had provided for myself for more years than I hadn’t.

But if my knight in shining armor was a beautiful woman who I couldn’t ignore, then I’d gladly wait in this locked dungeon, waiting for her to save me.

Chapter Twelve

Murphy and I didn’t know what else to do besides leave. Emmanuel hadn’t been forthcoming with much more than apologies, although I thought that had more to do with the fact he didn’t have any answers. All he knew was that he had made a deal to protect his family and ensure their survival. If only he had cared as much about the rest of us.

Murphy stormed into the house, any buzz from the alcohol faded with his anger. I followed quickly behind him, Emmanuel bringing up the rear, his head bent low in shame.

When we entered the home, Elizabeth stood in the living room, her face solemn. “The kids are upstairs.”

I took the few steps until I was in front of her, now recognizing the sadness in her eyes from the day before. “You knew.”

She nodded sadly. “We had to protect the twins. If you were a mother, you’d understand.”

Anger bubbled under the surface of my skin and I couldn’t bring myself to bite my tongue. “Thanks to you, I’ll probably never have the chance.”

Her eyes widened, a small gasp escaping her lips, but I walked past her. I didn’t have time for their apologies. We needed to gather our things and leave before guards came back. And then we needed to figure out how to save the others.

Murphy was already filling the three bags with provisions, shoving cans of food into one, clothing into the other. Neither Emmanuel nor Elizabeth said a word, knowing they owed us at least this much.

---